Jessica Hall

Piano / Percussion

How long have you played?

I've played the piano for almost 35 years, and I started playing percussion close to 4 years ago.

Occupation (or what keeps you busy when you’re not making music):

I'm a music teacher. I currently own a small business that gives private lessons both online and in person. I also accompany for local high school choirs on the side.

How did you get started playing your instrument?

When I was in elementary school, I decided that playing the piano would be fun so I asked for a keyboard for Christmas. After a few lessons, I was hooked. I chose to learn percussion because I wanted to be a part of the OFO, and the only opening available at the time was in the percussion pit. So, I started teaching myself how to play percussion instruments.

Musical groups I’ve played with:

Favorite piece I’ve ever performed:

My favorite piano piece is The Wedding Day at Troldhaugen by Grieg. My favorite orchestral pieces to perform would be Waltz No. 2 by Shostakovich, the medley from Polar Express, and Sleigh Ride by Anderson.

Favorite composer or musical style:

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart or John Williams

Favorite hobby besides music:

I enjoy reading, baking, knitting, and playing tennis.

Favorite food or restaurant:

Mexican food

Favorite movie or TV show:

Pride and Prejudice

A place I’d love to visit:

Italy

If I could have dinner with any musician (past or present), it would be:

Frederic Chopin. I would love to discuss piano fingering techniques with him.

What do you enjoy most about playing in the Ozark Festival Orchestra?

I love being able to come together with other musicians for a few hours a week and just have fun playing music.

What advice would you give someone thinking about joining?

If you are hesitating, go ahead and try it for a season. You may surprise yourself with how much you enjoy it.

Favorite orchestra memory:

During my second year, I was assigned to play an anvil in one of the pieces. For an entire piece of music, I had to beat on a piece of metal with hammers. It was by far the craziest piece of music I think I have ever played. To this day, people look at me very strangely when I say that I played an anvil for a piece of music.